Footwear customization device

ABSTRACT

An improved footwear device is user customizable permitting selective alteration of the footwear appearance. Each footwear device is made from layers of rubber or similar footwear material. A first layer forms a bottom (outsole) that impacts the pathway surface. A second layer or insole forms a working surface to protect the user foot from impacts, pathway contours and debris. The cosmetic alteration portion of the device comprises three loops formed from a single strand of fabric such as cotton or similar material. This strand is threaded through three strategically positioned holes perforating the second or insole layer; then, the strand is folded in such a fashion that three loops are formed, one for each hole. Next, the two layers are adhesively attached one to another so as to form a completed device. A strip of material is then threaded through the protruding loops so as to change the footwear&#39;s appearance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to everyday footwear structured to provide not only comfortable support for the soles of the feet and the rest of this lower extremity but also a uniquely cosmetic appearance. More particularly, the invention is directed to shoes that are customizable through a user selectively interacting with the footwear and operating it to change its appearance through the attachment of different add-on materials and accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Footwear

There are various types of footwear or shoes that give support and comfort to one's feet. Amongst these are athletic, boot, dress and casual men's and women's, unisex, dance, orthopedic and more. Additionally, there are various niche types of shoes intended for fashion or extremely specific arenas such as skiing or mountaineering. All of these are typically constructed from basic materials such as leather, canvas, rubber, plastics, petro-chemically derived materials and even wood. Whilst these have a diverse set of materials in order to construct one, the typical shoe still comes in a specific typical group of elements.

These are the sole, the insole, the outsole, the midsole, the heel, the upper, the vamp, the medial and the toe box. The sole comes in a group of three elements: the insole, the outsole and the midsole. The insole falls underneath the foot whilst the outsole is that part of the sole that makes contact with the ground. The midsole falls between the insole and the outsole and provides shock absorption characteristics. The heel as its name implies supports the lower back of the foot whilst the upper helps hold the foot in the shoe. Starting at the toe box that covers the toes, the vamp starts thereafter starting behind the toe, extending around the eyelets and tongue and towards back part of the shoe. The medial is of course the part that is in the center part of the shoe whilst the tongue is an optional component that helps keep the laces braced with the eyelets or hooks. All of these are well known components that are each optional depending on the type of shoe one is constructing.

Athletic Footwear

Further, proper materials and design provide for various types of athletic footwear. Shoes for tennis, running, golf, football, soccer, bowling and various other sports have been designed with the end user in mind. Many improvements in runners' shoes have given todays athlete untold comfort. Novelties such as rubber waffle soles, breathable uppers made from materials such as nylon, and shock absorbing cushioning in the mid-sole and heel have taken shoes into the space era. Finally, several decades ago medical professionals were enlisted in assisting to design shoes that would be based upon the most up to date knowledge of physiology. Thus, podiatrists help create features that were based upon their knowledge of how feet react to specific movements. They did this by studying a foot's response to typical actions such as running, jumping, or side-to-side movements.

Their input led to a well rounded ergonomic shoe design that provided both support and comfort to wearers. Specific sports were also studied for the reaction of feet to adverse conditions unique to the events therein; in this fashion shoes were developed that directly targeted the unique needs of the sports therein. For example, the needs of soccer would be different to that of golf and so forth. In exercising the muscles of the leg for training, a weighted type of shoe was developed whereby the entire bottom of the sole of the shoe was made from a heavy material so as to help an athlete exercise.

In addition to the type of shoes found in the athletic environment, women and some men are experts at acquiring footwear for every occasion. Most ladies have high heel footwear in their closets that range from kitten, wedge to stiletto heels. Other types of feminine shoes include the slingback, the ballet flat, the pump, mules and more. Whilst varied in construction and materials, none of these offers the user the option to change its appearance on the fly. In other words, the footwear's appearance is fixed at manufacture and can not be altered without severely damaging the original fit and finish of the shoe.

Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the cited deficiencies and provide a user with the ability to selectively customize a set of footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing an improved footwear device.

An A footwear system comprising:

a top layer having a perforation therein attached to

a bottom layer corresponding to the top layer in size and shape.

In another aspect, a second perforation in the top layer.

In another aspect, a third perforation in the top layer.

In another aspect, wherein the perforation is disposed in an anterior portion of the top layer.

In another aspect, wherein the second perforation is disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.

In another aspect, wherein the third perforation is disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.

In another aspect, further comprising a strip of material threaded through the perforation.

In another aspect, wherein the strip of material threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits therein.

In another aspect, wherein the strip of material threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second perforation.

In another aspect, wherein the strip of material is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the second perforation.

In another aspect, wherein the strip of material threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second perforation is formed into a loop of material and then exits the second perforation. and then enters the third perforation.

In another aspect, wherein the strip of material is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the third perforation.

In another aspect, wherein the top and bottom layers are adhesively attached together.

In another aspect, wherein the top and bottom layer have a customizing device adhesively attached between the top and bottom layers.

A footwear customization device comprising:

a flat layered slab made from

-   -   two plys of footwear material

having a shoe customization device adhesively attached between the two plys.

In another aspect, a triad of apertures disposed on a surface of a first ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the first ply.

In another aspect, a triad of apertures disposed on a surface of a first ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the first ply and are disposed in such a fashion as to form customization support points.

In another aspect, wherein the shoe customization device comprises a strip of material having two ends.

In another aspect, wherein the strip of material consecutively enters then exits three holes in the first ply from a space between the plys to a space above the first ply thereby forming three attachment points.

An article of clothing comprising:

a first slab of material attached to

a corresponding slab of material and having

a decoration alternating device having three loop anchors formed from a strip of material found between two slabs of adhesively connected materials.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

FIG. 1A presents an isometric view of a pair of customizable footwear devices.

FIG. 2A presents an isometric view of one of the customizable footwear devices having the layers thereof separated from one another.

FIG. 2B presents a bottom view of the insole or top layer of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the customization system is attached to insole.

FIG. 2C presents an isometric view of the insole or top layer of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the customization system is attached to insole; in particular how the strand of material, cord, thread is bunched into three loops for insertion in a trio of holes of one of the customizable footwear devices thereof.

FIG. 3A shows the two main components, a two layered sole and a strip of material in proximity to one another.

FIG. 3B presents an isometric view of a leg using the customization system whereby a piece of cloth material or strip thereof is threaded through the three loops and wrapped about a leg of a user thereby beautifying a lady's foot and lower leg.

FIG. 3C shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material.

FIG. 3D shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material.

FIG. 3E shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material.

FIG. 3F shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material.

FIG. 3G shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material.

FIG. 3H shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in each figure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIG. 1A presents an isometric view of a pair of customizable footwear devices; in this particular implementation, the footwear takes on the shape of a sandal. Two customizable shoes 1, 2 are shown in the figure; a left shoe 1 is shown above a right shoe 2. Both shoes are formed from two layers of material such as rubber; the first layer 4 forms a bottom (outsole) that impacts the pathway surface. A second layer or insole 3 forms a working surface to protect the user foot from impacts, pathway contours and debris. The cosmetic alteration portion of the device comprises three loops 6, 8, 10 that are formed from a single strand 11 of fabric such as cotton or similar material.

This strand 11 is threaded through three strategically positioned holes 5, 7, 9 perforating the second or insole layer; then, the strand is folded in such a fashion that three loops are formed, one for each hole. Next, the two layers insole 3 and outsole 4 are adhesively attached one to another so as to form a completed device. Various materials are then threaded through the protruding loops 6, 8, 10 so as to change the footwear's appearance. Each material thereby threaded is wrapped around the user's foot and ties thereon or attached using clips, button snaps, ties or similar attachment devices.

FIG. 2A presents an isometric view of one of the customizable footwear devices having the layers thereof separated from one another. It is readily appreciated that the structure of this footwear item is repeatable with regards to the other one in mirror fashion; thus, it is only necessary to show one of them and in so doing provide a complete and enabling understanding of the construction of the other one. This view shows the left footwear device 1 separated in two layers 3, 4 of material with the strand (cord, strip) of material 11 still threaded into holes 5, 7, 9 so as to form three loops of material 6, 8, 10. Liquid adhesive is applied to the strand 11 of material to ensure a rigid attachment of the portions thereof to the bottom of the insole 3 of either shoe.

It should also be apparent that the holes 5, 7, 9 and their associated loops 6, 8, 10 are disposed on the insole 3 so as to provide for an appropriate localization of a foot upon the top surface of the insole 3. In other words, the hole 5 and its corresponding loop 6 are situated in the general front of the insole 3 near where an average person would have the separation between the large toe and next toe for the left foot; i.e., near the right anterior of the insole 3. Similarly, the holes 7, 9 and their corresponding loops 8, 10 are situated in the approximate middle sides of the insole 3 nearer to the back portion of the insole 3 then the front thereof. Of course, hole 7 and its corresponding loop 8 are situated on the left lateral side of insole 3 which is opposite from where hole 9 and its corresponding loop 10 are situated, i.e., the right lateral side. Routine experimentation reveals a variety of positions for these components that vary their localization in both longitudinal and transverse attitudes.

FIG. 2B presents a bottom view of the insole or top layer 3 of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the customization system is attached to insole. It is readily appreciated that the structure of this footwear item is repeatable with regards to the other one in mirror fashion; thus, it is only necessary to show one of them and in so doing provide a complete and enabling understanding of the construction of the other one. The bottom surface of the insole 3 of the left footwear 1 is perforated with three holes 5, 7 and 9. The first hole 5 is located near the anterior portion and the other two holes are disposed in opposite lateral sides towards the posterior portion; the posterior apertures 7, 9 are not as close to the posterior as the hole 5 is close to the anterior relatively speaking A single strand, strip, or cord of material 11 such as cotton, elastic band or similar material is adhesively fixed to the underside of the insole 3 in such a fashion so that a loop of material protrudes from the top side of the insole 3 at the locations of apertures 5, 7, and 9.

FIG. 2C presents an isometric view of the insole 3 or top layer of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the customization system is attached to insole; in particular how the strand of material 11, cord, thread is bunched into three loops 6, 8, 10 for insertion in a trio of holes 5, 7, 9 of one of the customizable footwear devices 1, 2 thereof. It is readily appreciated that the structure of this footwear item is repeatable with regards to the other one in mirror fashion; thus, it is only necessary to show one of them and in so doing provide a complete and enabling understanding of the construction of the other one. The outsole 4 of the footwear item is also shown with adhesive thereon so as to fix the layers together with the strand 11 leaving the loops of material threaded through perforations 5, 7, and 9.

FIG. 3A shows the two main components, a two layered sole and a strip of material 12 in proximity to one another.

FIG. 3B presents an isometric view of a leg using the customization system whereby a piece of cloth material 12 is threaded through the three loops 6, 8, 10 thereby beautifying a lady's foot and lower leg. The particular type of customization wrap is determined by the accessories used in the system. The following example is represents only one way of using it and should be understood as being an exemplary embodiment of the novelties taught herein. First the strip 12 is threaded through the front loop 6 and then the two strands (the emerging and the entering strand) are threaded through the holes in the jewelry item 14 shown in FIG. 3C. Next they are each wrapped about the leg 13 and into opposing loops 8, 10 and finally tied at the back of the leg.

Thus, the material 12 is wrapped around a leg and tied together using the ends thereof or optionally using a jewelry clasp; this clasp optionally has a decorative item attached to it such as a broach having a hole attached to said clasp. Another jewelry item 14 is used to thread the strip of material therethrough thereby providing a metallic decoration and fixed anchor point for redirecting the material. Various forms of this jewelry item 14 exist having therefore various ways to tie the strip of material. Various other jewelry items could be used in various fashions to introduce a change in direction of the strip of material 14 as an anchor point or to serve as decorative items.

FIG. 3C shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material. This accessory 14 has a series of holes 14A therein to a thread strip of material in and out thereof, act as an anchor point or to attach other items thereto.

FIG. 3D shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material. This item 15 has a series of parallel perforations 15A & 15B on either side of the accessory 15 and a central perforation 15C; this is used to thread a strip of material in and out thereof, act as an anchor point or to attach other items thereto.

FIG. 3E shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material. This accessory 16 is a round piece of metal or plastic having a connecting loop 16A integrated with an outside surface thereof. This is used to attach other items using the main loop in the center or connecting loop 16A. For example, that is shown connecting a leaf motif item 17.

FIG. 3F shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material. A leaf motif item 17 is disposed between two rings of material 16 attached using a connecting loop 16A. The leaf motif item 17 has two ends with integral rings thereon. These rings are used to attach to the connecting loop 16A of the rings of material 16 using an intermediate loop 18 that has a curved shape and two ends that are brought together to close upon itself end to end.

FIG. 3G shows a front view of a beauty accessory 19 to be used with the strip of material. A faux pearl 19B is situated within a cavity of a holder 19A made of a plastic or metal material that has a connecting loop 19C at its end. This loop 19C is used to attach to other jewelry items, the strip of material and as an anchor point.

FIG. 3H shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used with the strip of material. A central circular jewelry item 20 has various decorations thereon; it has an integral spring 20A on either side attached to hoops 20B for connecting to a portion of the strip of material. The hoops 20B are thin strips of metal having two ends formed into circles and brought together end to end once threaded through the curved end of springs 20A. These are used to attach to other jewelry items, the strip of material and as an anchor point.

Thus has been described a solution that overcomes the prior art deficiencies described previously. Further, numerous variations could be made to the teachings herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts that are delineated by the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear system comprising: a top layer having a perforation therein attached to a bottom layer corresponding to the top layer in size and shape.
 2. The footwear system of claim 1, further comprising: a second perforation in the top layer.
 3. The footwear system of claim 2, further comprising: a third perforation in the top layer.
 4. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the perforation is disposed in an anterior portion of the top layer.
 5. The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the second perforation is disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.
 6. The footwear system of claim 3, wherein the third perforation is disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.
 7. The footwear system of claim 1, further comprising a strip of material threaded through the perforation.
 8. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the strip of material threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits therein.
 9. The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the strip of material threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second perforation.
 10. The footwear system of claim 9, wherein the strip of material is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the second perforation.
 11. The footwear system of claim 3, wherein the strip of material threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second perforation is formed into a loop of material and then exits the second perforation. and then enters the third perforation.
 12. The footwear system of claim 11, wherein the strip of material is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the third perforation.
 13. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom layers are adhesively attached together.
 14. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom layer have a customizing device adhesively attached between the top and bottom layers.
 15. A footwear customization device comprising: a flat layered slab made from two plys of footwear material having a shoe customization device adhesively attached between the two plys.
 16. The footwear customization device of claim 15, further comprising: a triad of apertures disposed on a surface of a first ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the first ply.
 17. The footwear customization device of claim 16, further comprising: a triad of apertures disposed on a surface of a first ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the first ply and are disposed in such a fashion as to form customization support points.
 18. The footwear customization device of claim 15, wherein the shoe customization device comprises a strip of material having two ends.
 19. The footwear customization device of claim 18, wherein the strip of material consecutively enters then exits three holes in the first ply from a space between the plys to a space above the first ply thereby forming three attachment points.
 20. An article of clothing comprising: a first slab of material attached to a corresponding slab of material and having a decoration alternating device having three loop anchors formed from a strip of material found between two slabs of adhesively connected materials. 